 Last additions - Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo Shrine 下鴨神社 蹴鞠初め |
It was an interesting and colorful event.Feb 04, 2010
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The ball falls off the roof after it was kicked way too high.Feb 04, 2010
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It's quite hard to get good still shots. I had better luck with video.Feb 04, 2010
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The ball sometimes bounce into the crowd.Feb 04, 2010
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They had a break and the players changed.Feb 04, 2010
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Female kemari player.Feb 04, 2010
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Shrine priests watching kemari.Feb 04, 2010
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Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo Shrine, KyotoFeb 04, 2010
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Kemari Hajime at Shimogamo Shrine, KyotoFeb 04, 2010
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Sometimes the ball went way up, and once it went up on the roof. These players weren't so skilled in my opinion.Feb 04, 2010
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The object of kemari is to keep the ball in the air. And whoever kicks the ball, must make it easy for the next person to kick it. But this is hard to do.Feb 04, 2010
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The white kemari ball is made of deer skin.Feb 04, 2010
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The game is preceded by a ceremony. Feb 04, 2010
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US President George H.W. Bush, during a visit to Japan in Jan. 1992, tried to play kemari as if it were soccer. That embarrassment was overshadowed by him vomiting on the Prime Minister during a banquet.Feb 04, 2010
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Kemari is held at other shrines at other times of the year.Feb 04, 2010
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But I got a good view from my free seat.Feb 04, 2010
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Besides free seating, they provide paid spectator seating in the two pavilions on the right and left. 2000 yen per seat.Feb 04, 2010
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On Jan. 4, Kemari hajime at Shimogamo Shrine starts at 1:30 pm. Free seating is provided, but getting there early assures you of a better view if you want to take pictures.Feb 04, 2010
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The kemari players include women. Kemari originated in China.Feb 04, 2010
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Shimogamo Shrine toriiFeb 04, 2010
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Way to Shimogamo Shrine.Feb 04, 2010
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Shimogamo Shrine map.Feb 04, 2010
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